Pic to remain at Campos Racing in 2015 for GP2 title assault
Frenchman aims to end current season on a high in Abu Dhabi
Arthur Pic is targeting an assault on the 2015 GP2 Series title after agreeing to remain with Campos Racing for his second season in the official Formula One feeder category.
The news caps a strong maiden campaign together that has seen the Spanish squad and their lead driver gradually emerge as frontrunners, culminating in a breakthrough Feature Race victory at the Hungaroring. In total Pic has accounted for 110 of the 114 points scored by Campos, who returned to the series this term following a five-year-absence.
“I am delighted to be extending my partnership with Campos Racing into next season,” enthused Pic. “We have taken tremendous strides together in 2014, which is particularly encouraging given that I am a GP2 rookie and they are returning to the championship.
“I also have an excellent relationship with [team principal] Adrian Campos and the whole crew, so there is a mutual desire to succeed which made it natural to stay together for a second season. It is now up to us to carry our momentum into the winter and ensure we are in the title hunt next year.”
“I am extremely happy to confirm that Arthur will continue with our team in 2015,” commented team boss Campos. “His work this season has been incredibly good; he never gives up and his results have not gone unnoticed. We’re sure he will be fighting for the title and we will support him fully in doing so. It is a pleasure to work with such a fast, mature and professional driver.”
Pic has rapidly adapted to life in GP2, adding a second podium with runner-up spot at Monza and recording a further 10 points-paying finishes. His results are made all the more impressive by the fact the 23-year-old had never previously raced on the series’ notoriously complex Pirelli tyres.
This has provided him with significant confidence ahead of next weekend’s season finale in Abu Dhabi (November 21-23) where Pic will aim to carry over his blistering pace from the Italian and Russian rounds.
“Before focussing on 2015 we will look to end this year on a high,” said Pic. “Having started second on the grid in the past two Feature Races I’d really like to take my first GP2 pole and add another top-three result. I am confident the work we have done at the factory in recent weeks will bear fruit.”
And while Pic welcomes Abu Dhabi’s guarantee of warm and predictable weather, he remains well aware of the challenges drivers will face at the Yas Marina Circuit.
“The track is quite demanding, especially as all three sectors are different from one another,” he explained . “The first is all about fast, sweeping turns, while the second features heavy braking zones. Last but not least, the final sector is very technical with second and third-gear corners. The key is to find the right tempo, which can be tricky.”
Following the season-closing contest Pic will take part in the traditional GP2 test at Yas Marina (November 27-29) where he and the Campos team will begin to lay the groundwork for their 2015 title assault.
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